Description
Book SynopsisA fascinating look at the British naval intervention in the Baltic in 191820, and at the British, Soviet and Baltic nationalist fleets that fought.Following the Russian Revolution of October 1917, the Baltic states became a battleground between Russian Reds and Whites, German troops and emerging Baltic independence forces. In November 1918, the British government decided to intervene, to protect British interests and to support the emerging Baltic states. This initial small force of cruisers and destroyers was eventually augmented by other British warships, including aircraft carriers, a monitor, as well as a handful of submarines and torpedo boats. Opposing them was the far more powerful Russian Baltic Fleet, now controlled by the Bolsheviks. The campaign that followed involved naval clashes between the two sides, the most spectacular of which was an attack on the Soviet naval base of Kronstadt in June 1919 by a force of small British torpedo boats. They torpedoed and sunk the
Trade ReviewKonstam provides a concise account of the complex geo-political background to the campaign, before giving a compelling description of the main activities and actions in which the British warships were involved. -- Paul Brown * Journal of the Britannia Naval Research Association *
This title contributes nicely to the overall picture and should be recommended to readers who are interested in exactly this (perhaps) slightly overlooked part of the First World War's regional consequences. -- Simon Papousek * Danish Military History Society *
...a highly readable introduction which tells the story well and deftly highlights many of the important issues. Recommended. -- Andrew Livsey * The Naval Review *
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION BACKGROUND THE CAMPAIGN British intervention Waiting for the thaw Sparring in the Gulf Operation RK After Kronstadt THE SOVIET BALTIC FLEET The warships THE ALLIED FLEET The warships FURTHER READING BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
